Makarska: Speedboat Sunset Tour to hidden bay on island Brač

The best part of this 90-minute speedboat trip is the change of scene. You leave Makarska’s harbor, cross to Brač, swim in Puntica Bay, and watch the sun drop behind the Riviera from the water. It packs a lot into a short evening.

I like the 40-minute swim stop, which gives you time to use the included snorkeling gear or swim from the boat to the beach. I also like the small-group size, capped at 12 people, and the chance to have a skipper such as Tina, who has been praised for precise timing and taking family photos.

The main thing to consider is the bay’s access. The boat anchors offshore rather than docking, so you need to enter the water from the speedboat or swim to the beach. That makes this a poor fit if you cannot swim or need step-free access.

Key points to know before booking

• Puntica Bay is the centerpiece: You get about 40 minutes for swimming, snorkeling, and a look at the beach swings.
• The boat ride is short but scenic: Brač is about 20 minutes from Makarska, with fine views as you leave the port.
• Sunset timing matters: Departure changes through summer because sunset shifts by about two minutes each day.
• You can swim from the boat: There is no dock in the bay, so expect an anchored-boat arrival.
• The group stays small: Up to 12 people can join, with private and small-group options available.
• The price covers the basics: At $44 per person, your boat, skipper, fuel, taxes, and snorkeling gear are included.

Leaving Makarska for Brač by speedboat

The trip begins at Palladium Rent a Boat Makarska, although the exact meeting point can vary with the option you book. The speedboat heads out of port and gives you an immediate change of viewpoint.

From the water, Makarska opens up behind you. The Riviera, backed by steep coastal terrain, looks different from the usual waterfront angle. This first 20-minute run is not just transportation. It gives you a quick coastal tour before the swimming stop.

I like this pace for an evening outing. You do not spend an hour getting to the main attraction, and you do not give up half a day for a short swim. The route is compact enough to fit neatly into a dinner plan, though you should confirm the start time before booking because the departure follows the sunset.

A small boat also changes the feel of the crossing. With a maximum of 12 people, you get more room than on a large excursion vessel and a better chance to hear the English or Croatian-speaking skipper. Private departures are also available if you want a more personal setting.

The ride may be lively, depending on sea conditions and the speed of the boat. If you prefer slow sightseeing from a shaded deck, this is not that sort of trip. You are choosing speed, open water, and a short burst of excitement.

Forty minutes at Puntica Bay

Puntica Bay is the reason to book this excursion. Once the boat reaches Brač, it anchors in the bay for around 40 minutes. You can swim directly from the boat, make your way to the beach, or use the provided snorkeling set around the cove.

The beach swings add a fun visual touch. You can look back toward Makarska from Brač while the swings move near the shore, making the stop feel more distinctive than a simple open-water swim.

This is also the part of the tour where you have the most control. You can stay on the boat with music playing, jump into the sea, swim toward the beach, or snorkel near the bay. Bring swimwear and a towel, and pack food or drinks if you want them because neither is included.

The anchoring arrangement is important. There is no docking station at Puntica Bay, so the boat cannot pull up beside the beach for an easy walk ashore. You need to be comfortable entering the water from the boat and swimming to land if you want to explore the beach.

For confident swimmers, that setup is part of the appeal. It keeps the stop simple and gives you a direct route into the water. For anyone with limited mobility, children who are not strong swimmers, or people who dislike boarding from a boat, it may be a real limitation. The activity is not suitable for wheelchair users.

The 40-minute stop is long enough to enjoy the water without becoming repetitive. Still, it is not a full beach afternoon. You will have time for a swim and some snorkeling, but not for a long walk or an extended stay on shore.

Returning with Makarska in the sunset

After Puntica Bay, the boat turns back toward Makarska. The return ride takes about 20 minutes, followed by roughly 10 minutes devoted to sunset and scenic views.

This is when the route earns its evening label. Instead of watching the sun from the Makarska promenade, you see the coast from offshore, with the Riviera forming the backdrop. Gold, orange, and pink tones spread across the sky as the boat moves into position for the view.

The exact colors and timing will depend on the date and weather, but the operator makes clear that sunset time changes throughout the summer. It shifts by about two minutes each day, so do not assume the departure time shown on one date will work for another. Confirm the precise time before you go.

I like the order of this trip. You get the active part first, while you are still ready to swim, then finish with a quieter ride and views. If you want a sunset outing with no physical activity, remember that the swimming stop is central rather than optional decoration.

The boat returns to the Makarska meeting point. That makes the tour easy to fit into a single evening, with no separate transfer or second port involved.

What the $44 price really covers

At $44 per person, this is a solid value if you want three things in one outing: a speedboat ride, a swim at Brač, and sunset views. The price includes the boat, skipper, fuel, snorkeling equipment, taxes, and fees.

That matters because the main costs of a short boat trip are already covered. You are not paying extra for fuel or a gear rental once you arrive. You only need to budget for anything you want to eat or drink, since those items are not provided.

The value is strongest for people who would otherwise book a separate coastal cruise and a beach visit. You get a cross-channel ride and a swim stop without committing most of your day.

It is less useful if you mainly want time on the beach. Forty minutes at Puntica Bay is a good pause, but it does not replace a full beach outing. You also pay for the speedboat experience, so anyone content to sit at Makarska’s shore may find better value elsewhere.

The small group helps justify the price. A cap of 12 people usually means less crowding than a large boat excursion, though the exact atmosphere depends on how many places are filled. A private option is available for those who want the boat reserved for their own group.

The skipper can shape the evening

The skipper does more than steer the boat. Timing matters here, since the experience depends on reaching Puntica Bay with enough time to swim and returning for the sunset view.

Tina is specifically named as a skipper connected with this experience. She has been praised for getting the timing right, helping families, and taking photos of children jumping into the sea. One family received 23 photos soon after the trip, which is a useful bonus for anyone who wants action shots without handing a phone to another passenger.

You should not assume Tina will be on every departure, but her involvement shows the kind of personal service this operator can provide. The guide language is English and Croatian, so you can expect basic tour communication in either language.

Music may play while you swim from the boat. That gives the stop a relaxed, social feel, but it may not suit you if you want a silent nature outing. Smoking is not allowed.

The boat’s capacity and guide support make this particularly suitable for couples, families with confident swimmers, and small groups of friends. Teenagers may especially enjoy the mix of speed, swimming, music, and sunset. A family with three teenage boys had an especially successful outing, and dolphins were seen during one return ride, though wildlife sightings are never guaranteed.

Practical details that affect your comfort

Wear your swimsuit from the start if possible. The tour is short, and changing facilities are not listed. A towel is essential after the swim, while sunscreen and a waterproof way to protect personal items are sensible choices, though only swimwear and a towel are specifically required.

Bring water and a snack if you want them. Food and drinks are not included, and the 90-minute schedule does not mention a refreshment stop.

You should also think about your swimming ability. The boat anchors in the bay, and there is no dock. Entering the water from a speedboat is different from stepping off a pier, and reaching the beach requires a swim.

The tour does not allow smoking and is not suitable for wheelchair users. If you need mobility assistance or prefer to stay fully dry, ask the operator about alternatives before reserving.

Weather and sea conditions will affect comfort, even though no specific weather policy is provided here. The operator offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure and allows you to reserve now and pay later, which gives you some flexibility when planning around an uncertain forecast.

Who will enjoy this tour most

I would choose this trip for someone with one free evening in Makarska who wants more than a standard waterfront sunset. It gives you a taste of Brač, a proper swim stop, and a coastal view in a compact format.

It is a good match for:

• Couples looking for a short sunset outing
• Families with children or teenagers who swim confidently
• Friends who want a lively speedboat ride
• Visitors who enjoy snorkeling but do not need a full-day boat trip
• Small groups that prefer a maximum of 12 people
• Anyone who wants photos taken during the swim, subject to the skipper and availability

I would think twice if you use a wheelchair, cannot enter the water from a boat, dislike speedboat motion, or want several hours on a beach. The excursion is active, brief, and built around water access.

It also suits people who plan their evenings carefully. Since the start time changes with the sunset, you can often fit it around dinner, but you need to confirm the departure rather than rely on a fixed hour.

My call: book it for a compact coastal adventure

I would book this tour if you want an active sunset and feel comfortable swimming from an anchored boat. The combination of a 20-minute ride to Brač, 40 minutes at Puntica Bay, and a sunset return makes good use of 90 minutes.

The strongest reasons to go are the small group, the included snorkeling gear, the unusual view of Makarska from Brač, and the personal touch that skipper Tina has brought to some outings. The main caution is simple: this is not a dock-and-walk beach trip. You enter the water from the speedboat, and that fact should guide your decision.

At $44, it offers good value for a short evening experience, especially for families and small groups. Confirm the exact departure time, bring a swimsuit and towel, and arrive ready to swim. If that sounds like your kind of evening, this is an easy addition to a Makarska stay.

FAQ

How long is the Makarska sunset speedboat tour?

The tour lasts 1.5 hours, or 90 minutes.

How far is Puntica Bay from Makarska?

The speedboat ride from Makarska to Brač takes about 20 minutes.

How long do you stay at Puntica Bay?

You have approximately 40 minutes at Puntica Bay for swimming and snorkeling.

Can you swim directly from the speedboat?

Yes. The boat anchors in the bay, allowing you to enter the water directly from the boat.

Can you swim to the beach?

Yes. You can swim from the anchored boat to the beach, where you can also see the beach swings.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. A snorkeling set is included in the tour price.

Is food or drink included?

No. Food and drinks are not included, but you may bring your own.

What languages does the guide speak?

The live guide service is available in English and Croatian.

How many people can join the boat?

The small-group boat can carry up to 12 people. Private and small-group options are available.

Is the tour suitable for wheelchair users?

No. The activity is not suitable for wheelchair users, and entering the water requires access from an anchored speedboat.